THE Shakers were planning a route out of League Two with military precision in 2010.

Alan Knill took his players to a military assault course at Holcombe Brook as a team bonding exercise on the eve of the new season.

And just 48 hours later they left Leeds United shell-shocked with four goals in a real War of the Roses.

The Championship side were effectively cannon fodder as Andy Bishop scored twice either side of goals for Danny Carlton and Ryan Lowe, to leave the Bury boss purring.

“The lads have been excellent in pre-season,” he said. “We’re unbeaten but we shouldn’t be getting carried away. The performance was good and if you are not happy with that result, there’s something wrong. It’s a feather in the cap to beat Leeds 4-0 but nobody remembers pre-season if you fail.

“The important work starts with Port Vale on the opening day. After that we can be judged. But a result like that will be great for confidence.”

Meanwhile, the Shakers announced that they would welcome vuvuzelas to Gigg Lane, after they came to prominence during the World Cup.

“They add to the atmosphere,” remarked press officer, Gordon Sorfleet.

Flashback photo

The Bolton News:

The Bury team ahead of the 1981/82 season, back, from left, Mark Hilton, Paul Hilton, Pat Howard, Paul Cruickshank, David Brown, Steve Johnson, Steve Kenworthy, Noel Bradley. Front, Mick Butler, Craig Madden, Joe Jakub, Jim Iley (manager), Tommy Gore, Steve Mullen, Keith Kennedy. Dave Constantine and Mick Pickup (coach) not shown on back row.

This week in Shakers history

1968: Bury won a bitter dispute with Stockport County to enable them to sell winger Paul Durrant to Doncaster Rovers. The Hatters had claimed the Shakers had hijacked a deal the previous season when Durrant was still on the books at Wolves but the Football Association ruled the move was acceptable.

1988: Bury were celebrating the success of a ticket scheme for young supporters which had proved a big hit. Some 380 schoolchildren had signed up for £12 season tickets which also allowed them access to special coaching sessions put on by the club.

1991: Terry Robinson said he did not fear the much-vaunted “Premier League” which was due to kick-off in a year’s time. “Promotion and relegation must be maintained,” he said. “Even if Manchester United were in a position to go down, it should be upheld. But there are a lot of supporters out there who want different things.”